Hospital patients warned of infection risk

Authorities are reaching out to patients who may have been exposed to a rare infection from equipment used during open heart surgery in four Sydney hospitals over a four-year period.

Anyone who underwent the surgery at the Prince of Wales, St George, Sydney or Westmead Children's hospitals between January 2012 and August 2016 could be susceptible.

"We want to ensure these patients have the latest information and advice about the risk of infection, and know that we are acting in line with international advice to minimise any risk to cardiac patients," NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant said.